Marching Orders: John Philip Sousa and the U.S. Marine Band…Oorah!
November 10 marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. As we commemorate the sacrifice and bravery of the Marines and all members of the military this Veterans Day, we look back at John Philip Sousa and the U.S. Marine Band. The “March King,” whose rousing compositions continue to define American patriotism, did not begin his journey in grand concert halls, but within the disciplined ranks of the U.S. Marines.
From his official military personnel file to recordings of some of his most beloved tunes, the National Archives holds a wealth of records related to the illustrious life of this musical military prodigy and the group he led.
John Philip Sousa was born in Washington, D.C., in 1854 to father João António de Sousa, a trombonist in the U.S. Marine Band. From a young age, Sousa exhibited exceptional musical skill, possessing perfect pitch and playing multiple instruments. In the 19th century, an apprenticeship system for the Navy, and eventually the Marines, allowed young boys to enlist in those branches. Sousa enlisted in 1868 at just fourteen, and his enlistment agreement is in the muster rolls of the Marines, housed in the National Archives:
After enlisting, Sousa took on the responsibilities of an apprentice musician, completing his training by 1875. Although he left for a while to tour and conduct, he returned in 1880 as the 17th leader of the U.S. Marine Corps Band.
Before Sousa stepped onto the podium, the Marine Corps Band itself had already traveled a remarkable path. President John Adams established the Marine Corps Band in July 1798, authorizing “a drum major, a fife major, and 32 drums and fifes,” making it the oldest formal military musical organization in the United States.
The ensemble debuted at the White House in 1801, performing for Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration soon thereafter. Through parades and patriotic celebrations, the Marine Band expanded in size and sophistication over the 19th century, setting the stage for the era Sousa soon elevated to new heights.
It was during Sousa’s tenure as leader that the band earned its enduring moniker as “The President’s Own.” Unlike other military bands, the ensemble was dedicated almost entirely to performing at presidential events, from inaugurations and state dinners to Easter egg rolls at the White House. The title “The President’s Own” soon became synonymous with the Marine Band, which performed for all the presidents from Rutherford B. Hayes through Benjamin Harrison.
During this time, Sousa also composed some of his most famous works: iconic marches such as “Semper Fidelis” for the Marine Corps itself in 1888, “The Washington Post” for a newspaper awards ceremony in 1889, and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” as a tribute to American patriotism in 1896.
The title of “Semper Fidelis,” Latin for “always faithful,” reflects the Marines’ enduring loyalty to their country. While the phrase had already been officially adopted as the Marine Corps motto in 1883, Sousa’s composition brought it to life, helping to solidify “semper fidelis” or “semper fi” as the symbol of the Marines.
To listen to some of the songs and hear more of the history for yourself, former Director of the U.S. Marine Band Lt. Col. William F. Santelmann provides viewers with a musical history of the Marine Band in this video from the Archives. Watch now on YouTube to experience firsthand Sousa’s enduring legacy and the music that has long been a hallmark of the Marine Corps.
